Raspberry Crazy Ant
In 2002, the Rasberry crazy ant, Nylanderia sp. near pubens, was found in the Houston area. It began to spread and can now be located in 21 counties, mostly around the Houston coastal area. The ants have been recently positively identified in both Travis and Williamson counties.
Rasberry crazy ants are reddish-brown, but color and darkness may vary. Workers have long legs and long antennae and bodies that are about 1/8 an inch long.
In the Gulf Coast region, colonies of these ants are massive (millions of ants); it remains to be seen as to what size colonies will be in Central Texas. Colonies, or nests, can be found under or within almost any object- tree stumps, soil, potted plants, mulch, concrete, etc. Nests are primarily found outside, but the ants may move indoors looking for food and water.
Since Rasberry crazy ants can nest within in numerous objects it is possible that they can be transported to new locations through gardening material- mulch, soil, potted plants, etc. Before transporting gardening material, it is very important to thoroughly inspect the item(s) for infestation.
Treatment for Rasberry crazy ants consists of creating buffer zones using pesticides. Buffer zones may last about 2-3 months. Products for specific management of Rasberry crazy ants are not available over the counter, but you can locate a product with “ants” on the label. Another option is to hire a pest management professional who has access to chemicals that are unavailable to unlicensed homeowners. Dead ants should be removed from the area after treatment otherwise a “carpet” of ants may form. It may be possible for new ants to walk over the dead ants to avoid contact with the pesticide treatment.
For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. Check out my blog at www.urban-ipm.blogspot.com
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that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas AgriLife Research is implied.
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